Tears flow for TV and radio star Krysia

Tributes have been paid to a “respected journalist and adoring mum” who has died suddenly aged 59.

Krysia Kobziak, better known as Krysia Kaye, started as a trainee reporter at the Evening Post in the late 1970s, before moving onto Red Rose Radio, the Woman’s Post and Granada TV.

Krysia Kaye with sons James (left) and Connor (right).

Remembered as being “full of sunshine”, she died unexpectedly on March 5 after developing a cold which turned into pneumonia, leading to septic shock and multiple organ failure.

She leaves behind son James, 24, and Connor, 12.

James, who lives in Bamber Bridge, said: “My mum was stupendously generous in all her dealings, not just with her sons, but with her family, extended family and friends from all walks of life, as well as everyone she encountered.

“She encouraged others to be the best they can be, using her knowledge and skills to develop the passions and talents of those around her.

Everyone who knew her is devastated by the news of her death.

Karen Milner

“She was proud of her work in the media, boasting interviews with Barry White sipping coctails on Santa Monica in the early 1990s as one of her favourites.

“Although she appeared as a picture of glamour, youth and fitness, she was at the same time understated, unboastful, respectful, humble and quick to focus the spotlight on those in her company.”

Krysia was born of a wartime love affair between a rear gunner in the Polish Air Force under British command, and his Lancashire bride, who met at the tower ballroom Blackpool in the late 1940s.

Soon after they bought a house in Greenwood Avenue near Avenham Park, Preston, where Krysia would spend her formative years, before being educated in Blackpool.

Tragically, both of Krysia’s parents died before she was 18, but with a network of friends and family supporting her, she went on to study at Queen’s College London, where she won a scholarship to Cambridge University.

After success in print and radio, in 1994, Krysia became well known as a newsreader for the Granada region morning bulletins, where she would meet TV personalities such as Richard and Judy and the Coronation Street crew.

In recent years, she transitioned in education and wider media work, first as a lecturer at Runshaw College and Edge Hill University, teaching courses in confidence, public services, crisis management and the media.

Former Evening Post colleagues remember Krysia with affection as “a lovely and talented colleague with an ever ready smile, an appetite for life and a passion for journalism.”

Former Red Rose colleague Karen Milner said: “She was a very articulate, amazing person. She was so full of fun, but more than anything she was an adoring mum.

“Everyone who knew her is devastated by the news of her death.”

James added: “All the obituaries made since her passing have highlighted her infectious zest for life, her devotion to her family and her professionalism that carried through to everything she did, a remarkable woman whos life is a story of perserverence, endless love and the pursuit of all things breaking.”

Friends are now fundraising to help give her sons a more secure future. They have targetted £5,000 and managed to raise more than £1,800 in 24 hours.To make a donation, visit: http://www.gofundme.com/oas6rk